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Hi Everyone I am writing to get an idea of if I am a candidate for the McDougall plan. I am already vegan and have been for 17 years.

I have gained weight primarily because of two health conditions. I have interstitial cystitis- I.C. (the lining of the bladder is damaged, causing chronic inflammation of the bladder wall) and M.E./C.F.S., an immune system dysregulation which causes post-exertional malaise/ extreme exercise intolerance.

I also have plantar fasciitis, but that's very treatable and I am wearing a night splint.

I am wondering how the McDougall plan might work for me. I have to do something, because I am slowly putting on weight.

I have to start VERY slow with exercise (a minute or two of walking will not cause fevers, swollen, painful lymph nodes, and completely debilitating fatigue that can easily last months), build up by about 1 minute a week, and NOT do aerobic exercise, because my aerobic metabolic pathways are damaged. In other words, if I am in the "target heart rate" zone, I am assured a relapse.

In terms of diet, I am allergic to gluten and because of I.C. can't have: spices of any kind (except salt), fruit (except dried dates and very small amounts of pear), anything not bland (fruit, vinegar, etc.), soy, anything fermented or nuts (except almonds and pine nuts).

I don't know where to begin. Do I purchase Dr. McDougall's books and modify his suggestions as best I can?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Welcome aboard, Steph!

Sorry about your ailments and pain!

If you want to learn how to manage your weight (even with little exercise), you can do that here!

Here is a link to my story:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26307

I suggest that you follow the MWL plan until you reach your weight goal. See

http://www.drmcdougall.com/free.html

http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/pdf/pdfmc050100nl.pdf

You do this very simply or you can make it more interesting and tasty if you like. I keep it simple--eating only veggies and starches and this works very well for me.

If you like to read books and watch DVDs, these would probably also be very helpful. Others can suggest their favorites.

Please use the great resources, plan well and execute your plan and you will be successful.

Keep us posted on your journey!